Let’s Talk About Professionals

I have a rather peculiar confession to make, something I’ve not spoken of loudly to all that many people before. Here goes: whenever someone asks me what I do in life, what I do for a living, I always cringe slightly. Now, I do not mean Photography Life – I am very proud to work here and enjoy writing interesting articles immensely (whether I manage to write something interesting is a different matter altogether, but I dare say I do every now and then). No. I always cringe before saying I am a wedding photographer.

Mind you, I do not actually consider myself a wedding photographer – I am curious about people more than I am about weddings, and that is what I am interested in, people and their being. That is part of the reason why the “get to know me” section on my website is the way it is. But if someone asks me just out of curiosity or politeness, they’d be bored to death if I’d go on and dive into all the philosophical debates about how people photography during weddings and wedding photography are different. The time and place for such debates is on a comfortable couch among friends and with a glass of red wine in your hand… if you have patient friends. And so the easy way to answer is – I am a wedding photographer. You’d think that, after I say that, the question’s answered and it is my time to ask that person what he does. It should be that simple, for as soon as I answer I blush and am instantly overcome by the need to explain. And so I still end up diving into all the philosophical monologues trying to justify and explain my work, and consequently bore everyone to death.

I hate that.

A side note: if you suddenly feel the urge to scroll down to the comments section and tell me how I’m a hypocrite for doing what I hate and lying about it to my clients, hold on for just a second. There’s obviously a little bit more to it and I am afraid you are going to have to read all I have to say to get my meaning.

NIKON D700 + 50.0 mm f/1.4 @ ISO 200, 1/500, f/1.4

The issue that I have with wedding photography (alright, people photography during weddings) is not the wedding photography itself, but the preconception the general majority of people seem to have about this sort of work, at least in my country and nearby. When I say “wedding photographer”, few hear the names of Jonas Peterson, Nirav Patel, Viktorija, Jose Villa or our own Laura Murray. Few think beautiful light, soulful portraits, visual poetry, feelings, state of mind, love, people. Few think art. And, forgive me for saying it so categorically, Jonas Peterson is as much an artist as he is a professional photographer. Most people don’t have that sort of an association. Instead, they see a young couple trying to “spot” one another around a slender birch tree. They see the bride “holding” the groom on her palm whilst he is pretending to look up at her (that sort of shot involves either a compact camera or a very narrow aperture, and some “creative” use of perspective). Most people see a photographer running around frantically with three cameras hanging off him with all the equipment he owns, which often means he will fire away his enormous speedlight on camera in broad daylight, outdoors, not because he needs a flash, oh no – because he has one. That also means he will be stopping down his 70-200mm f/2.8 lens quite a lot, because he needs an appropriately slow shutter speed for the flash. No, it’s not a creative choice. It’s a necessary choice. Otherwise the flash will not work properly. In broad daylight, outdoors, on camera.

Now, I do not mean to mock, so forgive me for being so cynical. A lot of photographers who do that sort of thing, they are either just starting or know pretty well what they are doing and why. I remember how I started and it is not something I am proud of myself. What I mean is, I’ve seen plenty of professional photographers who have been shooting weddings for literally decades, and yet they would drink at weddings. Why? Because everyone is. It’s a party, right? So why not take that sort of a “shot” as well? That sort of person I could never respect. I could understand having a glass of wine with the couple after work, if you are on those sort of terms, but vodka – sorry. I am pretty certain most of you will agree even though I expressed myself somewhat strongly. And so that is the worst sort of picture inside the minds of people who hear “wedding photographer”. It’s not always like that, but it does not need to be – even a few such experiences are enough to ruin the whole impression of this line of work. And yet, these people are professional photographers, much like Nirav Patel or our dear Laura. And so we get to the question of what exactly is a professional photographer. I’ve seen people argue about it a dozen times. I’ve taken part in these arguments myself on occasion. And then a few days ago I saw one of our readers wonder if there will be an article on the subject. I think that comment was what I needed to finally say what I’ve said thus far, and what I am about to say next.

According to various dictionaries, a professional is a person who does something that requires particular training or skills, and earns a living doing it. Even the word itself is closely related to the word “profession”, so that’s natural. But in order to meet all of these criteria, all one has to do is purchase a camera, learn about what aperture and shutter speed is, and earn his first dollars on a wedding. And that is it. Should it be? In my mind, a professional wedding photographer is not a person who earns a living photographing weddings, but a person who does it well. A person who elevates the profession itself, who earns it prestige and admiration. Becoming a professional is something one ought to aspire to, work hard to achieve. I certainly hope to be such a person one day, but I am not a professional now, not yet. But that other guy who doesn’t say no to some drinks during reception, he is. Because he knows what aperture is, has a camera and does not work for free.

And so I cringe slightly. Every single time someone asks me what I do in life, I have to push it out of myself – I photograph weddings. I do. But I am not proud of it, not yet. Of course, it is a personal issue. Why should I be worried about what others think? My work should speak for me, words and explanations should not be necessary. Finally, who is there to decide what it means to photograph weddings well, who can distinguish such results from those “not worthy”? It is a personal complex. And yet I am worried, because right now, the general understanding of who a professional photographer is helps wedding photography seem very much not worth admiration. That is the difficult truth where I live. The thing is, the situation can only be changed by photographers themselves.

I hope to do my part someday. Until then, no, thank you, I am not a professional. I just like to photograph people.

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About Romanas Naryškin

A student and a wedding photographer with a passion for cinematography and writing. You'll see me buying film even when there's no food in the fridge. Follow me on Google+, Facebook or visit my wedding photography website to see some of my work.

Reader Interactions

Comments

As a professional wedding photographer, I feel it is my job to intrigue my questioner and subsequent listener. I tell them, “I create the dreams for grandchildren by documenting fairytales.” Intriguing? You bet! Do they ALWAYS ask for more information? Ditto! This means I get to rhapsodize about a moment in time and a family’s very first heirloom.

Do I LOVE being a wedding photographer? Not so much – but the worst day spent with my camera is WAY better than a day at just a job.

I am sorry to hear you don’t love doing it. Personally, I greatly admire a good wedding photographer because they have a set of skills (including people skills) that are absolutely worthy. Me, I couldn’t take it! My own wedding was bad enough what with all the petty family bickering. To have to deal with that often and to still be able to take magical photos is a real testament to someones discipline and skills. I chose different types of photography because it fit my personality and also made my job easier. Here is a good example. Like most “professional” photographers, they are not very good at the beginning. I learned in a studio and had little creative freedom at the beginning so when I went to shoot wildlife I shot technically correct shots of beautiful things – things that were hard to get to in conditions that were frequently harsh. This was perfect for me, because I was able to sell my technically excellent pictures because they were unique. How many people are gonna go to the places I was willing to go to get pictures…not too many, hence I had a market because few would fill that niche. It allowed me to learn and make a living at the same time. Lately, I started a pet photography business. Wildlife photography is simply a very hard profession economically and I am not young. I needed to make more money from photography and I love pets and “pet people” so its a good fit. I get to take pictures of animals that I truly love and I think it shows. I also think it’s relatively easy because I love doing it. I have been very lucky IMO.

I certainly love this quote “…but the worst day spent with my camera is WAY better than a day at just a job.” Now back to processing my shoot….

I think there are many curious dualities here in the use of the term “professional photographer”. On the one hand it is taken to mean someone who is employed as a photographer, yet even there the common inference is commercial photographer, not someone who has a salaried job as a photographer. And then there is the alternative perspective that a professional photographer produces photographs of a professional quality. Often there appears to be the assumption that only commercial photographers can produce photographs of a professional quality.

Then there is the amateur photographer. The term amateur is often used as a synonym for someone who doesn’t know what they are doing yet according to the Latin root of the word, an amateur photographer is a lover of photography. There have been famous amateur photographers and one, Jaques-Henri Lartigue, achieved his fame as a child. I believe there is no reason why the best amateur photographers cannot produce work of as high a standard as the best commercial photographers, work one might say of a professional quality.

I agree that many people are unaware of the artistic achievements of the best practitioners of wedding photography. The problem, I think is that there can be a lot of clichés. One I particularly dislike is where the photographer runs around the reception taking posed shots of groups of people with a flash. With appropriate empathy for the situation, I feel a street photography approach could be much more rewarding.

I guess for my part, I’m an amateur and I aspire to professional quality. Whether I achieve that, I feel is not for me to claim and in any case, it’s a continuing event and the next shot you take and process is always a new reality.

I am a professional photographer. In that I mean I earn my living through my talents as a photographer. My genre is very specialized. No I don’t do weddings unless someone who does and is good at it asks me to be his/her/their second shooter. I love, like you, making people pictures; but I am not a fine art photographer. That I’m still learning.

However, I have to agree with something Murray Foote said. My feeling about being a photographer has nothing to do with earning a living. It has to do with consistency, concept, vision and an accomplished quality finished product that other people enjoy whether it is on your wall in your living room or an art gallery. The fact that people will pay for your work only gives one the impetus to go out and continue doing what you love.

The rapture that Ms. Winter, speaks of, the creating memories for grandchildren not yet born drives her forward to continue to show up and create memories for a family she will never really know. For that…she gets paid. Is it the money that makes her a professional or her desire to capture a moment in time for people she doesn’t know and maybe sometimes doesn’t even like. I don’t believe so. Ms. Winter, does what she does because she loves doing it. When she is finished she leaves that couple and all the family there and yet to come with memories and a documentation of one momentous occasion in their lives.

Romanas, don’t belittle what you do. You are a photographer…a professional. Not because it is what you do but because it is who you are.

I enjoyed the article and I am not a professional photographer, nor do I aspire to be one. But I have a high regard for those who choose to shoot weddings, it is not something I could personally do, paid or not. To me there is an amazing amount of work and effort that goes into Wedding Photography, all photography, but particularly Wedding Photography. There are no do-overs, you must know your craft well in order to be able to make split second decisions based on changing situations that you might find yourself in at any given moment. Best of Luck in your endeavors.

I feel your pain. But I do so through the words not mentioned but each form their own definition of ‘professional’

Amateur. The spectrum of money. A professional does not just get paid – but must behave in a manner to find the next job, through quality and behaviour. These things must be learnt. And it fills your article. The pain you feel that the good name of professionals is sullied by those acting as amateurs – not caring about the next paycheque.

And if one thing is certain – weddings = money. But to the other word and spectrum

Artist. The spectrum of purpose. An artist wouldn’t be at a place for a paycheque. An artist should consider for hours the perfect moment. How could an artist arrive with a list and spend an hour taking hurried group shots? How could an artist live knowing their efforts would be discussed as memories of something else rather than their own beauty?

You don’t say much on this, but it echoes in your desire for art on its own terms. That there can be more than a bit of bokeh and the usual poses. It feels that the regularity is niggling at you. That you can promote yourself for the photos you want to take not those you feel you must. Think bigger Caravaggio was well funded and still an artist.

You post great pictures and write well.

I am humbled. You are indeed an Artist. However much you may shy away from it.

Romanas… what a fantastic read. It’s articles like this alongside Nasim’s “nuts-and-bolts” buffer comparison article that make photography life a daily must visit for me. You guys always strike the right balance here at PL, which is rare (and appreciated).

Of course, I remember the article you point to that served as the inspiration for this article… and who posed the request for such an article. I remember it all began from a conversation about so-called ‘pro’ cameras and was further sparked by so much back and forth concerning ‘pro’ knowledge, etc. In a reply to one of those comments, I said the following, and I’m pretty much sticking to it:

“Frankly, I don’t even know what is and isn’t a “pro” photographer these days, by definition. I truly don’t. When someone tells me they are a professional photographer, I guess I just assume they get paid to do their thing. I never assume that they create professional photographs, though, with professional-looking results. That’s the older definition, I think, and one that more “pros” ought to aspire to. I know that’s what I aspire to: creating professional-looking photographs… professional results from a shoot where I sought to behave professionally and where I had knowledge over my equipment more or less on par with knowing my profession. The client should see the result and feel like they were given a professional service by a professional. A pro…”

First, as others before me have mentioned, you should never feel apologetic, insecure or ashamed of what you do. You are a professional photographer. Period. That said… I know EXACTLY how you feel. I am still uncomfortable telling people “I am a photographer,” and then, needing to follow that up with “… a portrait, lifestyle and documentary photographer,” and then, responding to more questions, with “… well, I really like to do candid shots, to try to shoot the moments between the moments.” It was actually a defining moment a few years ago, when someone asked me what I did and I said “I’m a photographer.” I felt like I had exposed a con of sorts, revealing to myself my own facade. I still cringe when I’m asked, and I only make about 1/2 my yearly income shooting, so I probably don’t qualify by a great many people’s definition of “professional photographer.” I bet there are others, too, who would view my photographs as less-than professional. What matters, I guess, is that every one of my clients have felt that I produced professional results for them, and that I conducted myself professionally. I know I am aspiring to be ever-more professional with each and every shoot. And I know you do, too.

Second, to be an artist (which I would venture every single reader of Photography Life is… we are all artists, with the need to create), is to be insecure at times. Embrace that insecurity as a necessary part of being an artist. Non-artists will never know what it’s like to put one’s self out there as artists do. Have you listened to the excellent podcast “Process Driven” by Jeffery Saddoris, speaking with David DuChemin (on Faded + Blurred)? It’s an excellent discussion on how leading a creative life is about more than just making art, and wherein they consider motivation, intent, and the ways artists can learn to re-purpose the inherent fears and failures that can both hold us back, artistically speaking, and how those fears/failures can serve as “fuel to help us move forward.” If you haven’t, check it out:

And lastly, I wish to say that I appreciate very much the professionalism you aspire to, in so many ways, but especially, in that you are helping to re-elevate professional photography in an age where seemingly everyone is a ‘pro.’ That’s not a bad thing, per se. But it can be… especially when the ubiquity of photographers these days stands to result in the authority of the profession being undermined by too low of prices for our services, and a ‘good enough’ photography mentality that translates over from the shoot to the finished images and even where a photographer chooses to print their work.

Romanas, you’re one of my favourites here on PL. Please, keep up the good work. I’ve been to your site in the past; I’ve read your “About” section; I remember then, how I was impressed with your vision and your goals… probably because they are similar to mine: to me, photography is all about connection — with myself, first and foremost. I love to tell people I have only ever photographed my own subjectivity.

“Frankly, I don’t even know what is and isn’t a “pro” photographer these days, by definition. I truly don’t. When someone tells me they are a professional photographer, I guess I just assume they get paid to do their thing. I never assume that they create professional photographs, though, with professional-looking results. That’s the older definition, I think, and one that more “pros” ought to aspire to.”

Without wishing to start another war of words, I find myself disagreeing with this point of view. If you have no idea what being a professional means, then with respect, how can you be one or consider yourself to be one?

Professionalism has, I would suggest a number of essential facets. First, there must be a thorough grounding in the basic theory and practice of the craft – preferably but not essentially, through a formal educational course, rigorous examination and a recognised qualification.. Second, there must be a code of ethics and practice – preferably but not essentially overseen by a professional body. A client should be confident that their belongings, children, pets, family and privacy are safe when entrusted to a professional. Third, there must be a commitment to the timely delivery of results, without fail and irrespective of adverse circumstance.

Owning a camera and taking money for taking photographs does not make a professional photographer. Any hack can do that.

As for creating ‘professional looking results’, I would suggest there is no such thing as that judgement is an entirely subjective one. A professional result is one that fulfils the brief and satisfies the client and not necessarily one that pleases the photographer – that is simply self indulgence – unless of course that in pleasing himself as well as the client, the photographer is bringing something extra, something additional, perhaps something creative or artistic to his offering that enhances and brings added value to his result.

Finally, let’s also not confuse professionalism with competency. A photographer can be very competent but also be thoroughly unprofessional. By a similar token, a photographer can be amateur but be both highly competent, artistic and professional in all respects other than making his living from photography.

I would kindly ask that if you’re going to quote someone in order to mount a reply/retort, please do it correctly. One mustn’t just pick and choose which sentences to pull out of someone’s paragraph without a “…” between sentences quoted: that’s the only way of letting other readers know that you omitted content in your quote.

Second, as to your question, in the second sentence of your opening comment after (improperly) quoting me: “Without wishing to start another war of words, I find myself disagreeing with this point of view. If you have no idea what being a professional means, then with respect, how can you be one or consider yourself to be one?”

Betty, I do have an idea, and the answer to your question is in what you conveniently omitted from my paragraph when you improperly quoted me: “That’s the older definition, I think, and one that more “pros” ought to aspire to. I know that’s what I aspire to: creating professional-looking photographs… professional results from a shoot where I sought to behave professionally and where I had knowledge over my equipment more or less on par with knowing my profession. The client should see the result and feel like they were given a professional service by a professional. A pro…”

That which you omitted from my quote but which I have reinstated, should also address the rest of the points you made in your comment, I hope, other than your “Finally, let’s also not confuse professionalism with competency…” Agreed, Betty; let’s not.

I am sorry, I was confused by your poor use of English. If you meant to say “I know what I aspire to…” rather than, “I know that’s what I aspire to…” then it begins to make a little more sense. However the quote was a substantive statement made by you and was entirely fair. Unfortunately, the fact that you frequently qualify everything you say with an acknowledgment of the opposite view, makes it difficult to disagree with anything you say because you almost never take a definitive stance on anything.

You are of course free to comment where ever you wish on a pubic forum, (unless of course Nasim and the rest of the staff at Photography Life grow tired of your consistent attempts at inciting quarrels with me and your well-known rude attitude toward others), but would it be too much to ask for you to stop commenting on my replies; to stop referring to me elsewhere in comments to others; and to stop conversing with me or engaging me in any capacity? I would greatly appreciate it. I understand it may take some restraint on your part, but I am asking you nicely; you don’t “need” to keep commenting on my replies. I greatly dislike your entire demeanour and want nothing to do with conversing with you.

In case I am still using “poor English” or in case my English is still cryptic to you, I’ll say it plainly: I wish for you to leave me entirely alone, Betty. Is that enough of a “definitive stance” for you?

The point of a forum Brian is to offer one’s views and comment on the views of others. It’s a debate, an exchange of views and information. If you consider my commenting on your views as inciting a quarrel, then I would suggest that you are misunderstanding the purpose of a forum. So no, as long as you make factually incorrect, misleading or just plain silly statements, I will feel free to comment on them. It’s called free speech – something your founding fathers paid a high price to establish. You are of course free to reciprocate – or not.

You are, of course, absolutely correct in your definition of a forum and, to an extent, the comments section under this article fits that definition just as well. And, don’t get me wrong, I appreciate your input and your willingness to engage in a discussion with the rest of our readers. People rarely have enough time to read an article, let alone comment. The fact that you (and to an even bigger extent, Brian) take the time to leave such thorough comments is an enormous compliment to me and the all our team. What you might find surprising is that, on a number of occasions, I agree with everything you say. It’s just that I don’t have the time to add to every discussion. So, for that, thank you.

That said, while technically comments section is there for one to leave his opinion, our team (and me perhaps most of all) cares very much about how said opinion is expressed. You know this, I’ve mentioned it before. And from what I see here, you are not just expressing your opinion, which you are free to do. You are also being provocative towards another of our valued readers, and not in a good way. That you are not free to do.

There is something you must understand, Betty. If this were a discussion face to face, Brian would just walk away before you could finish the first sentence in order to not have his mood ruined. Not because of what you say, but how you say it. And he’d be free to do this, correct? Or would you run after him just so you could finish expressing your thoughts? I doubt that.

If a person asks you to not talk to him, the respectful thing to do is just that, not cling on to your “free speech” right. Otherwise, you are being a jerk. So I have a polite request for you. With all due respect, please, don’t be a jerk. If that does not work, I can remind you of your promise, too. This is me asking you nicely. I’d rather avoid unnecessary conflicts whilst also making sure that the readers who enjoy our articles and enjoy sharing their thoughts are not forced to stop doing so just because someone is irritating them on purpose.

Agreed? Otherwise, I am NOT letting you take me to a pub for a pint and a chat!

That makes sense. I completely understand that the two links I posted should warrant a review of their content. And I didn’t presume you were all dictators… after my comment #10 went through straight away, I figured it had to do with the links I posted in my reply :)

Hey, again, I appreciate the article you have crafted here for us. You’ve given us a glimpse into you, which is so much better than some technical article on what does/does not constitute a “pro” photographer. If I would have been your editor, however, I would have asked that you ‘dug a bit deeper’ with what photography means to you, and how that informs your approach to photography. I realise this is to be found in part in your ‘About Me” section of your website; but I also know that, being your (professional) website, you needed to keep things more brief and clean. This article of yours could have been a place for you to really explore and unpack “Romanas'” photographic ethic, ethos, approach and standards — but in a way that exposed more of you, at a very personal level. Then, I feel, you wouldn’t have received so many comments that required you to elaborate more fully what your photography is all about.

Just a thought. In any case, I wanted to read more your vision and motives as a photographer… what photography means to you, as a “professional,” which although you disagree, I think you most certainly are. So many of us have preconceptions about what a pro photographer is and isn’t, or should and shouldn’t be. You could have used this space to articulate professional photography with a non-standard approach to wedding photography, since you see your wedding photography as non-standard.

Anyway, keep the good (and personal) articles coming. I enjoy them just as much as I enjoy every other Photography Life author’s articles — whether technical, experiential, interpersonal or exploratory. The staff at Photography Life, and their unique perspectives and approaches, make the site a very well-rounded one. This, to me, is a very good thing.

So much of that resonates….i’m sure my mother in law, in particular , thinks that i have the tackiest, crude ‘job’ in the world. The reasons why I love wedding photography run so much deeper for me than even i can ever explain. ….or should need to. My clients are always genuinely happy, respected, cared for by me …and have a tangible reminder of that for the rest of their lives. What more could they or I want? …… I’ll have to just let go of the MIL disdain :)

Interesting article! I think any photographer who views their work as art cringes when they hear “wedding photographer”. That is because the market is flooded with people who own cameras. Our industry needs to have some sort of accredidation to weed out those who are merely just taking pictures. I’m not saying your need to take courses or traditional schooling, because that does not necessarily mean you are able to visualize and execute a shot, but something that certifies you as a pro. Something that says, I understand what my camera does and I know how to use it. Then I am sure, you would be more proud to say you are a wedding photographer. Something similar in terms of a “interior designer” and “interior decorator”. To be called a designer, you have to be part of an association that says you are talented enough to be one.

As for the speedlight in daytime..yes, if I see another GF stuck onto an on-camera flash, I may just throw up. But that is my opinion, someone else may have a completely different approach that works for them and their clients. I do use off camera strobes in daylight, because what is worse than a single speedlight, is an “available” light shooter who doesn’t understand lighting. Someone who is subjected to hide out in the shadows and keep to their “safe” photos, without being able to control the situation. Knowing how to use high-speed sync and what power output you need to over power the sun. Because no one likes unintentional harsh shadows and green skin from the grass.

Anywho, great article and always reassuring to hear others similar views on the term “wedding photographer”

@Lauren – great answer. I belong to several professional photography associations that are quite meaningful to other professionals, but in reality man very little to the average consumer who hires a photographer. I think professionals value this accreditation because we know that it takes a certain level of achievement and/or skill to maintain this level and a bit of money to maintain membership. It adds a level of credibility to use. However, unless the client or customer sees value in our work, they don’t see the need for the membership.

We know what we’re doing and we do it well. Wedding photographers get a bad rap because anyone with a halfway decent camera thinks they can do what we took years in perfecting. Others pros roll their eyes because they know how hard it is, because there is no repeat business, and because we must constantly reinvent artistry to chase after the fads and whims of each bride.

I sell my expertise and the fact that this TRULY is the first heirloom of the new couple. If one doesn’t capture and hold memories of life’s milestones, one loses just a bit of personal history and a little bit of personal civilization. If I do not believe in what I am doing fir a couple, how can I get them to believe in it?

I am a professional wedding photographer and I am proud of what I do. :)

I agree with your supposition that becoming certified and having various certificates from various organizations doesn’t make a difference to the average person who looks at your work.

When I got out of college I took a Certification Test in my field of endeavor – Electronics. I passed it with 90 + % pass rate. I became a Certified Electronic Technician (CET). Yet not once did that make a difference in my ability to get a Job. And the Customer could care less what awards, certificates, diploma’s degrees I had. What the customer, and employers were interested in was my ability to fix a product and that repair last.

And I would say to Original author . Don’t Cringe when telling you are a wedding photographer, it makes it seem you are ashamed of being a Wedding Photographer. Your possible clients will pick up on this and think twice before hiring you, or try to negotiate a lower rate. Be proud, unless you are not that good at it, and from photo’s I’ve seen from you in this Forum you are definitely good at that.

As a professional in the medical/scientific field, I had to take a five year degree course, pass multiple theory and practical exams, spend two years under supervision in practice – before finally gaining full accreditation and being entitled to call myself a professional. The next thirty years were spent becoming one. I would contend that if you needed to have a bone graft in your face or needed a complex piece of maxillo facial surgery, having the necessary certificate would make a difference to you as the average ‘customer’. Having a certificate or accreditation is as close to a guarantee as you are going to get that the person you are dealing with has achieved at least the minimum standard required to do his job. The principle is the same whether it’s life or death or just photography and is the difference between a professional, an amateur and a cowboy.

Depends upon the field your in. Any kind of degree in Science or the medical field is taken seriously. But there are a lot or areas where all the Certificates and Degrees are just paper on the wall to the consumer.

I enjoyed the field I was in what time was able to work in it. But I was in it because enjoyed my work every day. I got the respect I deserved after I worked on a Product. I had many people call me even after I had to retire. It’s only recently that the calls have quit because Tv’s are throw away items, now you buy one and if you don’t like the color of the case in 6 months you dump it and buy new, like buying a Toaster. (Oh,Oh, I am dating myself.)

You don’t go in a Field for certificates and accolades you go into it because its what you want to do it. If I didn’t want to work on Tv’s I would have done something else. Just like if Romanas doesn’t enjoy wedding Photography, or Proud of his work maybe he should go into a different filed maybe taking Pictures for National Geographic or Portrait Photography. I am not trying Criticize anyone. He is quite good and could be great in any Photography field.

Right on Betty! Although thankfully my career does not put me in a life or death situation, it does merrit having some accreditation to acknowledge my ability to do my job to a certain level of skill in order to call myself a “professional”. This would allow consumers to make an informed descion that they are hiring someone they can trust who understands not just the fundamentals but can execute them. Unfortunately the reality is, there are a lot of scammers in this feild. Individuals who steal others work and call it their own, pretending to be able to provide a service they can’t. Although the world is now filled with budding photographers thanks to the camera phone and $500 DSLR’s, people feel they know more than they do. But unless you are a true professional photographer, you have no idea what goes into making a wedding successful, which makes it hard for a consumer to choose wisely.

I love what I do and not to toot my own horn, I feel like I am pretty darn good at it. To be bunched into a group of “professionals” that don’t know to colour balance, to back up the back up of the back up or to blend in so they don’t steal the show, can be embarrassing (yes, I was there once and called myself a pro…that in itself is embarrassing). Since there is no certificate to say that, all I can do is let my work speak for itself. I also think there is a market for amateur or even cowboy photographers, because some people do not see the importance of photography and if the photos don’t turn out, that is ok. There just needs to be a way to allow the average consumer to tell the difference in order to understand what they are going to get, because in this case..price does not means anything.

Sadly, every profession and trade is burdened with its share of charlatans and incompetents. Even more sadly, many of these hide behind professional qualifications. These are people who ‘know’ a lot( technically speaking) but who lack the talent, application or vision to put theory into practice and as a result produce very little of anything worthwhile. So while accreditation is an indicator of competence it’s still not a guarantee of a good result. I have learned that at the end of the day, all that matters are results, so quite some time ago, I stopped taking too much note of paper qualifications and simply looked at results. The best guarantee of a good result is a long, unbroken, track record of excellent work disseminated by word of mouth amongst both colleagues and clients. In the end it’s results that count and it’s results that eventually get you noticed – but it takes time. It’s called gaining a reputation. It cannot be bought – and it’s priceless.

I admit that I’ve done my share of wedding photography and so appreciate the care, coordination, and stress of getting the job done. No, I am not a professional photographer, although I was paid for the wedding shoots done. I truly admire those photographers who can work with the family, plan the shoot, and then execute the shoot in a professional manner. It’s a difficult job that often has more than one boss.

The result of the job done well is the joy of the family at their keepsakes. My last shoot was done with a Nikon D100 and I handed off a DVD full of captures to a very appreciative couple. She knew what she wanted. We worked up the list. My wife helped me manage the list and the subjects. We got it done with only one glitch and that was a minor one at that.

I swore I’d never do it again. I spent all my energy that day on those few hours. But I felt really good about what I accomplished for them. So, if asked, I’d probably do it again… and then swear off one more time.

Thanks for sharing your thoughts. And keep shooting those weddings… those folks will appreciate your hard work and insight.

From those exceptional people comes the “art” in wedding photography. I don’t take first shooter assignments for weddings. (Although there have been exceptions recently). I do, however, work for three photographers here in Virginia as second shooter. “Social Shooter”. Within that responsibility I know I have to make photographs that will please the client and the photographer I am working for; but I never go into such an assignment to make photographs for anyone but me. They have to please me first! In so doing, I am successful for the needs of the photographers for whom I work and the client as an end result.

From this I have been called into other photography studios for interviews as second shooter. I look at the work on the walls of these studios and in many cases cut the interview short. I know I’m in a “stock” wedding photographers studio and I don’t want to work with such folks. They’re good at what they do but not really creative and all examples hanging for new clients to see are the same pictures, just different people.

You obviously are not one of those “stock” photographers. You have a need to create for yourself but you also know that what you create will please your client. Even though you have stated you are not concerned that this is a wedding, it certainly isn’t a visit to an amusement park either. You are there to capture the people in this situation with their demeanor, mood, colors, clothing and everything else that goes into make this the “fairytale day” for the bride and groom. In your own particular style, you do this automatically through the capture of the people and what is happening, or going on with them at any particular time during this event. That is the “art” in wedding photography.

perhaps it is the art of wedding photography, but when talking about the end result, the photographs in isolation, more often than not it has very little to do with art. As I said, there are exceptions to the rule. I personally think certain wedding photographers are artists, I admire them immensely. Myself, far from it. I do hope to be one one day.

You are tenacious in your attitude and consideration of what is or is not art with regard to wedding photography. Perhaps that is good and that very drive will one day make you a worlds top wedding photographer. If that becomes your direction, or at least a people photographer. But still, I think you are selling yourself short.

My professional day is spent reproducing dead tissue for the most part. My work is very technical and exacting. But certainly making photographs daily of kidneys, spleens, lung tissue or performing forensic autopsy, is not art. More than 80% of my business is concerned with diseased, dead tissue. My reputation in the world of medical and criminal forensic photography takes up so much of my time I hardly have the opportunity to photograph my grandchildren any more.

Know, Romanas, that I’m jealous of you and your work.

I respect you, your work and await your next article as they always seem to be controversial and thought provoking. Hopefully one day we will meet.

You are all twisted and I am not sure how you got this way. To make a living as a photographer, in whatever genre, is a loving gift from the spirits. I have done many weddings and next to sports photography, is some of the most difficult to get right. If you are getting what the clients want in a pleasing and creative way, you are achieving the goal of a wedding photographer. You demean yourself and the art of this type of photography in your article – you need to reevaluate why you are even in this field for you lack a clear perspective – take a vacation!

There is some truth in what you say, Elliot, although my goal is not to please my clients – that would not be too difficult, actually. My goal is to end up with photographs that I like myself. I rarely succeed at that and am happy that it is so – makes me move forwards, or at least I hope so.

The goal should be both especially if you are getting paid for your work: to satisfy the client and have enough leeway in the assignment to have some creative fun i.e. to also satisfy oneself. In fact, these creative images may be ones that you don’t even show the client. There have been numerous assignments that I have done where the client picked photos that I would not have but the assignment also allowed for some damn good photography – so be it!! I am not familiar with you but I think you may be rather young – with age comes wisdom, by the way my friend – you owe it to yourself to get out more and do more personal assignments to improve you photographic self esteem and self image.

The thing is, Elliot, my client’s expectations are much lower than my own. Not because they don’t expect much from me, but because I expect so much and strive to deliver. So that is why I try to do something I would be proud of myself, the fact that clients should like it is a given.

Perhaps we disagree a little because I don’t see wedding photography as a set of “necessary” photographs that must be taken, or at least I try to. I photograph weddings as I would any gathering of people.

Well…I tried to stay out of this because I won’t do weddings but I had to respond to your last comment. I’d read a wedding photographer (probably more than one) describe it as creating a fairy tale for the bride. That was their primary objective. I thought about that a lot (I think too much) and decided they were right. I can’t imagine that’s the way you should photograph any gathering of people.

I am not kidding, Patrick. And I never said I was a professional. Perhaps I should elaborate?

I am not interested in the wedding itself. I don’t much care about how her nails are being done, or the makeup. I don’t care much about the venue or the church. I mean, I do, because I have to photograph there, but once I take that photograph it does not matter anymore, it is not what I try to focus on. I try to focus on her and him. Not her day, not her wedding, but her during that day, and him during that day. I care about her person, I care about how she feels, I care about her state, her being, mood, the poetry of it all. Her portrait, if you will. Not her wedding. The wedding is not important for me, it is no more than an occasion for the people to gather. Yes, they give their vows in front of their family and, at certain times, in front of God if you believe in such things. But it is not the act of giving vows (is that the correct expression?), it’s how she feels doing it that matters to me, what it means to her, how it affects her. And him, of course. It’s the people I am interested in, intrigued by, drawn to, call it whatever you like. I want to take photographs that are valuable to my couples not because they show the wedding somehow, but because the photographs show them. In other words yet again, I want those photographs to speak not just as part of a wedding story, but on their own, in isolation.

And so there is no fairy tale for me, I am not looking for one. And my clients seem to be fine with that, because, well, they choose me based on my work. And this is what is in my work, or at least I hope so.

I understand and there’s certainly value in that and I would include that perspective, even if the bride was looking for a fairy tale. Certainly, if they’ve seen your body of work and chose you, that’s what they’re looking for. There are far too many people in the world to suggest any one motivation fits them all. I will, however, disagree about giving the groom equal emphasis. I suppose that’s important to the kind of people you would drink red wine with and debate the social relevance of someone’s photography but, for the bulk of the population, I don’t think it matters.

I think it is you who are confused. Your statements above are filled with dichotomous attitudes and concepts. Re read what you have written and come to the realization that although the wedding is not the main reason for you to create, it is the wedding that brings you to the venue enabling you to capture what you are trying to say about the people in that instant of time. Whether or not you see the day as a fairytale is not important. It is how the bride and groom will see it as a result of what you do on their day, hopefully lasting a life time.

I am not at all confused. Clearly I understand that the wedding has an effect on the people I photograph and that it is the reason I have a chance to be among those people. But that is where the importance of the wedding itself ends for me – from the moment I am there, I care about the people. I photograph the people, not the wedding. I feel like I’ve repeated this so many times. Perhaps it is difficult to see the subtle difference, or to explain it. But I do see the difference. I guess that is what matters, right?

What the bride or groom will see is anyone’s guess – only they know. All I know is what I am trying to show, what I see myself and what I capture. The way they see the work depends on so many things, their mood, their feelings, so many factors I can’t possibly know, I would not ever dare speak for them.

16.1.1.1.1.1.1.1.3) Patrick O'Connor

September 26, 2014 at 8:52 am

Romanas, You’re not confused but you’re clearly self-absorbed. You’ve made this event about you. You claim to care about the people but only as YOU see them. Again, I’m sure there are brides and grooms who see things your way but, from what I’ve been told by many wedding photographers, most brides will be satisfied with anything. It should be YOUR mission to make them ecstatic, not just happy. Your quest for artistic expression should be indulged on your own time. Again, with the exception of those like-minded individuals who’ve paid for your services. Perhaps every one of your clients fall into this category and if so…ignore everything I’ve written.

it is the first time I’ve read a seriously unpleasant comment from you. If it is my fault and I somehow pushed you into it, forgive me. Whichever case it may be, however, I would appreciate it if you could at least try to be less aggressive however self-absorbed I might seem to you.

That said, I don’t really understand why you think me self-absorbed. For one thing, I’ve repeated again and again that I try to see them, the couple, the bride and the groom, and their feelings, their mood, their state. Everything about them. The fact that I come with my own opinion about wedding photography, my own point of view, call it however you like – isn’t that what makes me different from another photographer, what reflects in how I show them, and what helps my clients decide if they want me or someone else? Because if they don’t like my work, even if they don’t like the way I look, they should choose someone else and I will most certainly tell them this.

My mission is to make them ecstatic. But that is a goal achieved more easily than if I tried to deliver a result I would be proud of myself. Mind you, it is not easy. But it is easier. We, the photographers, are our worst critics, and, at least in my case, that is what drives me forward. At least I hope so. And if I managed to come up with photographs that I myself am happy with, it is a given that the clients will like them, too, presuming they chose me based on my work and the things I choose to focus on.

The event is not about me. It’s not even the event, it’s the people. But my clients choose or discard me based on how I see the event and people. The way I see dictates my composition, light, choice of equipment even. Everything. This is part of how finding your client works. Not a client, but your client. So that the client is happy to receive the work, as he expected, and so that you are happy to work with that client and not pretend to be someone else.

I think I said all I could, even several times. Have a great day.

16.1.1.1.1.1.1.1.3.2) Patrick O'Connor

September 26, 2014 at 9:52 am

I DID think long and hard before making that comment. Perhaps it’s a bit of miscommunication. As Mike stated, your comments are a bit “dichotomous.” (I had to look that up ;-)) Your comments relay your thinking in great detail, as it relates to your approach, not to a particular wedding but to wedding photography in general. Perhaps the rest of the story (the part I’m missing) lies within the parts you excluded. But when you say you don’t care about the event (the wedding), it sounds like you’re rejecting, and therefore not giving proper due, to the reason that the bride and groom are there in the first place. Recently, there’s been a lot of attention to service providers (in this case, photographers and bakers) not wanting to provide those services for same-sex weddings. They’ve stated since they don’t believe in the ceremony, they would feel uncomfortable providing their service for the event. They’d be willing to provide these same services in any other circumstances for those same individuals. I agree with those photographers, bakers, etc. Not wanting to be involved is not a sign of disrespect but an acknowledgement that they’re not able to perform that function. By stating that you don’t care about the wedding, etc. it sounds like you’ve decided to turn the event into a more appropriate venue for your goals. Maybe that’s not your intent but it DOES come off that way. At least to old guys like me. Sorry if I misunderstood but not if I didn’t.

you did misunderstand. There is no dichotomy if you read my words whilst keeping in mind that I do, in fact, photograph weddings, and I enjoy it. It’s just that I think it’s not the event that is the most important, but the people there who, as been mentioned time and time again, gathered there because of the event.

I feel like I am repeating myself, so perhaps I will stop here.

16.1.1.1.1.1.1.1.3.3) Pamela Winter

September 26, 2014 at 10:02 am

People buy art. Whether they buy photos, sculptures or paintings, they buy art. Do they buy something they hate? I think not. I believe most people buy art that personally resonates with them. The ones that buy art because the color scheme goes with their house are the ones that sell it at the next yard sale in favor of a newer piece. Why? Because the art never really spoke to them. In actuality, they probably weren’t listening. These are people who have no appreciation for art.

As artists, we create things (photos, sculptures, paintings, etc.) that are a part of our soul. They come from a place deep inside us to speak about an emotion that we, the artists, have.

If it doesn’t originate from OUR vision and resonate with our customer, it doesn’t sell. It. Doesn’t. Sell. Period. We can cater to our customers and interpret their vision but out of necessity, it originates with us.

If I create a photo that the client loves but leaves a hollowness in me (usually because it did not fulfill or satisfy my interpretation of their vision), then I do not feel I have done my best. We strive to do our best. You can call that selfish, self-serving, or self-absorbed. As artists, we feed our soul first. As a mother, I know that I cannot help or teach my children until I am at my personal best.

Maslow’s heirarchy of needs states we have to do for ourselves first before we can do for others. In an artistic sense the same holds true. Romanas defends his position because he is right.

I’m not going to get in anyone’s face about it but, as artists, we cannot produce satisfactory results unless we are satisfied with the work.

I now realized how it sounded when I said my goal was not to please my clients. What I meant is – I try to do much more than that, I try to create work that I am happy with myself, not just for the sake of clients, but for the sake of getting better and better.

Perhaps to clarify, it would be more accurate to say, “the satisfaction that I have done my best to ensure my client’s needs are met is my primary focus. The event is secondary.” I don’t think you do not care about the wedding, I think the wedding is secondary to the capture of what you feel is primary.

That is true, Pamela, yes – I now realize how it sounds to say that my goal is not to please my clients. Of course it is. It’s just that it is not the goal I am aiming for directly, it’s the goal that I try to achieve and then do more until I am satisfied myself.

Hi, what a great discussion on so many levels on Wedding Photography. While I am semi retired after owning and managing a industrial wholesale company for many years I must admit I view wedding photography as a truly art form..I and I am sure we all in this community have seen some truly beautiful wedding or i should say people images taken by great photographers.. To me that is what it’s all about. Taking beautiful images of people during a special time of there lives. To me– True Art Work– Taken by Truly Professional Photographers. Another way to look at wedding photography is “telling a story with images” That said, it would seem to me the photographer who can accomplish this needs to be very very good. Truly a Professional. Nothing to be ashamed off.

My first thought is that all professions have good and bad practitioners. Similarly, each profession has people that either care very much about the standard of work they deliver, or not at all, and see it only as a way to pay the bills.

Another common theme I would like to point out is that each profession has a “moral code”, and one that is not necessarily known to people outside that profession.

What I am getting to is that, in all likelihood, most of the people who ask the question you answer in this article, do not understand the anguish, nor the source of the anguish. For them, there may be nothing wrong with a wedding photographer who also joins in the party, just as long as he remains capable of doing his job, and doesn’t “cause a scene”…

Thus, no person can be described or labelled simply by what he does to put food on the table. There needs to be a deeper understanding of how he does it, and what his own set of goals and ethics entails. And yet, that is precisely what we all do.

You cannot allow the opinion of an uninformed majority to shape your opinion of yourself. If you “benchmark” yourself against the work of others whom you admire, and continuously strive to do what you do better than you did it the last time you did it, that is all anyone can ask?

I am not at all confused. Clearly I understand that the wedding has an effect on the people I photograph and that it is the reason I have a chance to be among those people. But that is where the importance of the wedding itself ends for me – from the moment I am there, I care about the people. I photograph the people, not the wedding. I feel like I’ve repeated this so many times. Perhaps it is difficult to see the subtle difference, or to explain it. But I do see the difference. I guess that is what matters, right?

What the bride or groom will see is anyone’s guess – only they know. All I know is what I am trying to show, what I see myself and what I capture. The way they see the work depends on so many things, their mood, their feelings, so many factors I can’t possibly know, I would not ever dare speak for them.

Romanas,

There was no reply button at the end of this post so I’m reproducing it here.

No, no. Never an attack. My point exactly. Clearly you understand you are at a wedding and therefore the “people” will react differently then were they at the amusement park. You “SEE” that and that is what you capture. These same people would be different at a different event or time. It is your artistic ability to sense that difference which sets you apart from every other photographer.

I understand what you are saying regarding separating the wedding event itself from the people. Like you, I only work as second shooter to be with the people and not the event. However, these people will react differently than at other times because it is a wedding and that is what needs to be captured. Am I making sense?

And again, you are correct, what is going on in the mind of the bride and groom is anyone’s guess but from those expressions you capture whatever it is they are thinking, no matter what the thought. Without the event there would be no people for you to photograph. As well, every event, wedding or concert, will bring people together for you to photograph and document for any moment in time. The “art” comes from how you think and treat the “people” in your captures.

We all have this certain urge as photographers, who specialize not only in weddings but also in the field of events as well, wherein we want to make the involved parties (bride and groom, parents of a child during baptism, etc.) experience a certain flashback, whenever they see the photos we made…and, this, I think, is what drives you to make photos that captivate, not only the client’s emotions, but also, yours as well. Having this attitude, along with being a critic of our own self, makes it a double-edged sword…at times, we end up questioning ourselves why there were photos that we really liked personally, yet the clients ended up not choosing those photos to be published in their albums, whether physically or online. That’s not a problem, I think, since we serve the purpose of pleasing the clients up front. However, personal satisfaction and gratification, as mentioned by Ms. Pamela above, tends to eat us up after the moment of client pleasing is over…and it’s human nature, of course. Everyone of us wants to be satisfied by our own beings, so as to consider ourselves the best…and until we meet the self-gratification we’re looking for, we won’t stop pushing forward. It’s like asking, “What’s next? What’s up for me after this? Would this be enough? If not, what should I do next?”, and so on…it’s a never-ending process.

A piece of advice, if you don’t mind, and these words came from a fellow Filipino Fashion and Commercial Photographer. His name is Nikko G. Villegas, and he said, “At the end of the day, it will always boil down into doing something for yourself…”

Yes, the event is about the bride and the groom, but once you feel that you have accomplished something that they will totally like and buy, then I think it’s about time you did some self-gratification, along with the fact that you’re there to give them that sudden flashback upon seeing their photo…If you don’t mind, I’d like to share the first wedding I was able to shoot. After the delivery of the final albums to the bride and the groom, they told me that they never thought about crying when they were exchanging vows. They never thought that the guests were also into their emotion. In short, they were really not aware of what they were doing when they were at that very precious moment of their lives. And those photos I made, they brought back everything to life…it gave them the awareness and the feel of being there, at the altar, exchanging a few words that were for them to live by…

I liked your article since it highlights the way you shoot weddings…you’re an emotion-driven creative, and I see myself in you, that’s why I admire not only your work but most of all, your mindset…it’s a breath of fresh air, knowing that there are still those who do it not only for the money, but still, for the moment. Most of us are carried away by the fact that photography has been widely commercialized, taking the essence of the “Decisive Moment” away, as Henri Cartier-Bresson once called it. Nothing wrong with shooting with the heart and soul…it’s just that there are these days that come, where we battle ourselves for self-gratification, and for being the best at what we do…:)

One wise man said: “Find in your life what you really love to do, do it well so people pay you and you will never work in your life!”

I am shooting for over 30 years… although know how to for over 40… Grew up in the dark rooms of my father, Pro photographer. It was always my fun side job… 27 years I was in IT holding an executive position, having company cars, working from home, unlimited travel and food, lots of respect… etc… I was always worrying if somehow Wedding photography will become my primary job – I may hate it!!! I loved it so much… Now, for over 3 years Wedding photography is my main source of income (+ some Stock, Portraits and Commercial photography). Joined PPA and NPS. And I love it even more! I can’t wait for the Saturday to shoot a wedding! I love to see my brides happy crying while looking at photos and videos we produce… I really love photography, so, I am not working for 3.5 years!

This is just my thoughts and suggestion – I you don’t like what you doing – you better find something that you love with passion and do it!

I think you misunderstood the article :) I love what I am doing. But I am not proud of it because of the preconceptions associated with professional wedding photographers. And, there is no denying, part of that is a very personal issue. The other part is the general understanding of the word “professional”. That is what the article’s about.

Thank you Romanas for reply… I hope I got it wrong… English is my second language… LOL… :-)

I was afraid of this “professional” word when I was doing it on the side as well… Before I was always telling couples that I am not really a Pro, but Photography Lover (I like it better in Russian, my native language: “Любитель, потому что люблю то что делаю…”!) since my real education is IT. Now I am proudly say that I am a full time Professional Wedding Photographer, but still Photography Lover…

I think I know what you mean about preconceptions… I’ve seen many “Professionals” that shoot way more weddings and make way more money that me and you and even Nasim and Lola combined ;-), but their work is horrible… But they feel very confident and proud! They have a checklist of poses and when they are all checked – they are done! The bride of the wedding I’ve shot last Saturday, after she signed contract 6 months ago, asked me one question – “Why are you so cheap? Your work worth more!” First I was confused… Then little embarrassed… But after a while I felt really, really good… :-)

I really wish you the best in your Photography Life (I didn’t only mean the web site :-) and wedding photography in particular!

Believe your clients and charge more. I always tried to be “reassuringly expensive”. Their is some psychology in there but if you charge high and then over deliver, your client will continue to remember you and your excellent results long after he/she has forgotten the price.

The wegging photographer // what a superman between the rest of us pictioneers // in my personal estimation this is the most responsible picture work you can do // sometimes you’ll have the same troubles like a teacher, everybody knows what is to do because they were @ school // so my deepest respect and honoure when you’re able to find yourself in this work and you’re payed correctly for this workload // sammy

Beware of that voice in your head Romanas. It may not always be your friend. Internal dialogue is fine to a point. It can provoke creations that would never have been possible without it. But if it ever takes over completely say goodbye to reality. The creative mind is a fragile entity and the long road to to creative greatness is littered with artists who could not meet their own impossibly high standards, but couldn’t stop trying either.

Repeat Customers and New Referrals Getting paid by repeat customers is my best definition of Professional. When new business comes in because word gets out that you give a little more than what was asked, that’s being a Pro. The rest is details – which we can learn here. Hei Lung

As this thread has again meandered into the question “what makes a professional photographer”, many opinions have been offered. However, we are all gearing our comments toward the artistic side of photography and there are thousands of photographers who make a very good living and never produce “art”. Many journalists produce great photographs but they may never become considered art.

There are catalog photographers making hundreds of thousands of dollars per year who you will never know. Technical photography is one the highest paying forms of photography but you will never know who we are because we don’t get picture credit for what we do. Medical prosthetic, surgical, forensic gross specimen photography, light and electron microscopy, criminal forensic photography, photo lithographers, reprography, and there are so many more disciplines that are not being discussed or even considered as professional photographers.

Many of the photography disciplines I mention above do require advanced education and in my case belonging to several professional associations hasn’t hurt over the years, but some of the types of photography listed could also be mastered by on the job training and working with a good pro in that field.

I would suggest that perhaps a self contained topic be started as to what constitutes a professional if this discussion is to go further. Otherwise, it would be good to stay on topic and only discuss why Romanas doesn’t feel he is a “wedding photographer” and why he doesn’t consider it “art”. (Off the top of my head I think Niel van Niekerk would disagree with Romanas as well as one of the wedding photographers for whom I shoot the social candid’s).

I find wedding photographers incredibly brave. It is a tremendous responsibility to take on. If you fail that job, you let down people who have trusted you to record one of the most important days of two people’s lives. I think you should be proud :-)

I hesitate when people ask me if I’m a photographer, not if they ask what I do. If I say no, I’ll make nothing of the 20-40 hours a week I spend on all things photography. If I say yes, will people then assume I make money from it?

B R A V I S S I M O ! – Same here (and you’re a much better “photographer” than me) – I too have difficulty to think of me as an event photographer or even a photographer as one might think of it. On my business card there’s written: PEOPLE, VALUES, PHOTOGRAPHY. I don’t say I’m a photographer, although I definitely use my camera. Also your considerations ” one who does it well” and “I’m not proud of it”. Same here again. I don’t even think to be an artist and my pictures could be improved under a number of different ways, from composition to actual shooting to pp. Yet I like being with people in moments that are important for them. And – since the camera is the medium I know better so far – I try to share my experience and knowledge with them to give them some more than “just a photo set” as beautiful all bells and whistles that can be done with modern technology. I think one must be empathic with people to give his/her best. One should put in others shoes and feel the excitement of the moment as if it was his or hers. Using rationality only in a moment that’s not rational at all risks to screw the full potential of the moment itself. One can plan everything – and usually it’s a good move to do – yet if he’s not really interested/involved/aware of what’s going on, his/her work won’t be as good as it could. Then – some photographers have it inside, innate, talents. Artists. Someone that can transcend what’s going on with ease and make even more beautiful . Yes, really I do understand your point of view.

I have no nerves to read the comments above so someone may have already said this but since I have seen some of your “wedding” photos I can definitely say they are stunning and the things you are talking about you have acheived conveying the mood, love, athmosphere, the pure beauty of two people becoming one. So if I may say (being any that good and a complete amateur in photography ) you are on your way to accomplish everything you’re talking about by creating pieces of pure art – moving, indeering, subtle and classy.

I believe that your dilemma has a simple solution: branch out into OTHER types of ‘people photography’, that way you won’t have to say that you’re a “wedding photographer”. When asked what it is you do for a living, you could simply reply: “I am a photographer”; at which time you would hand them your business card which points them to your on-line portfolio. Let them decide what your specialty[ies] is[are], after they see your work.

Of course, that goes directly against what we’ve been told we should do when marketing our photography skills. The thought has always been that a photographer who tries to do too much will be perceived as “Jack of all trades, master of none”. We’ve been told that a photographer should only showcase their strongest work, in their strongest genre but rarely genres. But that philosophy is very limiting and creates situations like the one that you are facing.

Yet, the world lacks professional photographers who are simply “photographers”!

Photography is one of the professions that most heavily pigeonholes its practicians. Pick any big name photographer and rarely, if EVER, will you see that his/her on-line portfolio will encompass more than two genres. Usually, they are considered masters of one area of photography; but rarely two and hardly ever three or more. The reason I believe this happens is that photographers are afraid to branch out and endanger whatever area they’ve mastered; as if though taking on another specialization will somehow drain their energy or focus form their main pursuit; or degrade their reputation.

Frankly, I think this is sad and detrimental to the arts. Renaissance men and women are a lost species and over-specialization has hampered many individual and locked them into becoming complacent and, dare I say, repetitive and boring.

I just went to the web sites of the wedding photographers that Romanas provided the links to. I am overwhelmed. That just beautiful! I am especially impressed with the “John and Frances” series. Just look at their smiles and happy eyes! Thank you, Romanas, for the pleasure to see the true art.

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